Rocketman Review
Rocketman Review:
This groundbreaking 2019 biopic recounts the life of Elton John leading to his eventual
stay in a rehab facility in 1990. The harrowing story of how he got to this stage in his life
is narrated through Elton’s character in a group therapy meeting. At first I was unsure
whether Taron Egerton could successfully represent Elton John, with my only knowledge
of the actor from 2015 film Kingsman The Secret Service but I think he perfectly
conveyed the transformation from Reginald Dwight to Elton John. To me personally he
made this Musician I’ve grown listening to into a real person with real demons.
Additionally Jamie Bell’s portrayal of the calm and grounded lyricist Bernie Taupin
bounced off Taron Egerton’s Elton beautifully. The actors' chemistry was undeniable and
the two’s love for each other was truly captured on screen.
stay in a rehab facility in 1990. The harrowing story of how he got to this stage in his life
is narrated through Elton’s character in a group therapy meeting. At first I was unsure
whether Taron Egerton could successfully represent Elton John, with my only knowledge
of the actor from 2015 film Kingsman The Secret Service but I think he perfectly
conveyed the transformation from Reginald Dwight to Elton John. To me personally he
made this Musician I’ve grown listening to into a real person with real demons.
Additionally Jamie Bell’s portrayal of the calm and grounded lyricist Bernie Taupin
bounced off Taron Egerton’s Elton beautifully. The actors' chemistry was undeniable and
the two’s love for each other was truly captured on screen.
Director Dexter Fletcher's usual colourful and energetic movie style perfectly
compliments not only Elton John’s music but also his demeanor. I found this film perfectly
utilised Elton’s music and each song is memorable while still making sense within the
narrative which I think a lot of musicals don’t successfully achieve.
compliments not only Elton John’s music but also his demeanor. I found this film perfectly
utilised Elton’s music and each song is memorable while still making sense within the
narrative which I think a lot of musicals don’t successfully achieve.
The film begins with Elton John walking into rehab and then into a group therapy meeting.
This is what structures the film as the story is narrated through his therapy. I found
this story telling element to be extremely clever as we see how past traumas still affect
him and as an audience we get to explore the theme of mental health and addiction
running parallel with the recovery process. Often a narrative will choose to tell either a
story of mental health or the recovery, it’s uncommon to see them merged together as
they are in this film.
This is what structures the film as the story is narrated through his therapy. I found
this story telling element to be extremely clever as we see how past traumas still affect
him and as an audience we get to explore the theme of mental health and addiction
running parallel with the recovery process. Often a narrative will choose to tell either a
story of mental health or the recovery, it’s uncommon to see them merged together as
they are in this film.
To begin the audience is shown Elton’s childhood of a lower class, unloving family from
Middlesex. As a child then named Reggie he had so much love to give and above all else
craved to be loved until he found his natural gift for the piano. Throughout his childhood
he continued to learn and he grows to be a very talented songwriter and pianist. However
things change after Reggie meets Bernie and their individual talents within the music
industry lead to an incredibly successful career for them both. Having been chucked so
quickly into a life of fame Elton’s childhood traumas and the desire to keep his true
sexuality hidden begin to take their strain.
Middlesex. As a child then named Reggie he had so much love to give and above all else
craved to be loved until he found his natural gift for the piano. Throughout his childhood
he continued to learn and he grows to be a very talented songwriter and pianist. However
things change after Reggie meets Bernie and their individual talents within the music
industry lead to an incredibly successful career for them both. Having been chucked so
quickly into a life of fame Elton’s childhood traumas and the desire to keep his true
sexuality hidden begin to take their strain.
What I found truly amazing about this film is how the cinematography and music were so
wonderfully bonded together. Typically I find musical films tend to rely heavily on the
music to carry the narrative but this film successfully avoids this and not only provides a
fantastic story but also has the whole audience in a trance over the beautifully
choreographed music sequences. A particularly perfect example of this is the scene in
which Elton takes an overdose and consequently has a heart attack only then to be forced
to play Dodgers Stadium with the crowd none the wiser. This scene is portrayed through
a chilling dance over the top of the song Rocketman this scene really grounds the moment
and allows the audience to see how his life really was. It’s potentially the best use of a
song and dance to not only move the plot along but also add so much emotion to the scene.
It not only took my breath away but also left me with a new understanding of the song
Rocketman.
wonderfully bonded together. Typically I find musical films tend to rely heavily on the
music to carry the narrative but this film successfully avoids this and not only provides a
fantastic story but also has the whole audience in a trance over the beautifully
choreographed music sequences. A particularly perfect example of this is the scene in
which Elton takes an overdose and consequently has a heart attack only then to be forced
to play Dodgers Stadium with the crowd none the wiser. This scene is portrayed through
a chilling dance over the top of the song Rocketman this scene really grounds the moment
and allows the audience to see how his life really was. It’s potentially the best use of a
song and dance to not only move the plot along but also add so much emotion to the scene.
It not only took my breath away but also left me with a new understanding of the song
Rocketman.
Not only was this a beautiful film and paid true respect to the real life Elton John but
also this film made history. I was shocked to discover this is the first major studio film
to feature a male gay sex scene. In my belief it is the media industry that can spark real
change and to finally see this depiction in a studio film is brave but more importantly well
overdue.
also this film made history. I was shocked to discover this is the first major studio film
to feature a male gay sex scene. In my belief it is the media industry that can spark real
change and to finally see this depiction in a studio film is brave but more importantly well
overdue.
In my opinion a good film is enjoyable to watch but a great film stays with you and sparks
new opinions and ideas. I found this to be a great film. Not only did I either have a
massive smile on my face or a tear in my eye throughout but it also left me having a
greater respect for Elton John and a new found understanding of his songs.
new opinions and ideas. I found this to be a great film. Not only did I either have a
massive smile on my face or a tear in my eye throughout but it also left me having a
greater respect for Elton John and a new found understanding of his songs.
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